Porto profit from late charge

FC Porto made their second-half superiority tell as they saw off Club Atlético de Madrid 2-0 at the Estádio do Dragão with goals from Falcao and Rolando to move into second place in UEFA Champions League Group D.

Improvised openerPorto, desperate for victory after a Matchday 1 loss at Chelsea FC, deservedly broke through on 75 minutes when Falcao beat Atlético's substitute goalkeeper David De Gea with a wonderfully improvised back-heel from a Hulk pass. Seven minutes later Rolando tucked the ball into an empty net after his centre-back partner Bruno Alves's header from a corner had rebounded off the post.

Injured RobertoThe home side were quicker into their stride with powerful forward Hulk involved in most of their best moves. One superb Hulk delivery from the left would have resulted in the game's breakthrough goal had captain Bruno Alves been able to connect at the back post. By then Porto were aiming at a new goalkeeper. Roberto had watched efforts from Mariano González and Hulk sail well over before injuring his right leg trying to make a clearance. When Falcao headed just over on 25 minutes, Roberto ended up in a heap in the back of his goal and Atlético 's No13 could play no further part.

Helton busyWith regular No1 Sergio Asenjo on duty with Spain at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, Atlético coach Abel Resino turned to 18-year-old De Gea. The debutant had little to do for the rest of the opening period as the away team grew into the contest. Sergio Agüero and Diego Forlán forced Porto No1 Helton into stops and, with a slightly cleaner contact at the near post, Juanito could have given the Rojiblancos the lead with a header from a Simão corner.

Thunderous driveThere could be no faulting Juanito's connection with another header from the same source early in the second half. This time, from a central position about six metres out, he could not keep the ball down, however. Soon after the hour mark, De Gea suddenly found himself much busier, having to keep out a thunderous Bruno Alves set-piece, then using his body to scramble a long-range effort from Porto substitute Fredy Guarín around the post.

Hulk assistIt was fitting that Hulk played a key part when Falcao's goal finally arrived 15 minutes from time. When De Gea could only return the big Brazilian's shot straight back at him, he initially miscontrolled the ball, then squared for Falcao, whose superb finish at last found De Gea wanting. The Colombian should have added another with a free header seconds later, although Porto's second came quickly enough through Rolando. Porto will take confidence from this victory into their double-header with APOEL FC; Atlético have it all to do as they twice take on group leaders Chelsea with only a point to show from two outings so far.

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